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Richardson, Charmaine
Thelesperma filifolium
Thelesperma filifolium (Hook.) A. Gray
Stiff Greenthread, Greenthread
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: THFI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
This winter annual, or short-lived perennial, is often found growing in colonies. Its slender, branched stems, 10-30 in. tall, bear leaves divided into thread-like segments. In bud, the flower heads droop; when fully opened, they are erect and upright. The yellow, daisy-like flowers occur on delicate, leafless stalks.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Root Type: Tap
Size Notes: Up to about 30 inches tall.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AR , CO , KS , LA , MO , MS , NE , NM , OK , SD , TX , WYNative Habitat: Prefers disturbed sites in dry, sandy or gravelly soil.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Conditions Comments: The common name greenthread, refers to the thread-like appearance of the foliage. Many butterflies feed on this nectar plant that blooms profusely from April to June.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesDeer Resistant: High
Find Seed or Plants
Order seed of this species from Native American Seed and help support the Wildflower Center.
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
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From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Naval Air Station Kingsville - Kingsville, TX
Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Sibley Nature Center - Midland, TX
Brackenridge Field Laboratory - Austin, TX
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
NPSOT - Williamson County Chapter - Georgetown, TX
Herbarium Specimen(s)
NPSOT 0354 Collected May 19, 1993 in Bexar County by Louise MorrellNPSOT 0236 Collected June 9, 1992 in Comal County by Mary Beth White
NPSOT 1050 Collected Apr 3, 1994 in Bexar County by Lottie Millsaps
Wildflower Center Seed Bank
LBJWC-37 Collected 2006-05-06 in Travis County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterBibliography
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Thelesperma filifolium in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Thelesperma filifolium in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Thelesperma filifolium
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-01-30Research By: TWC Staff